Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has welcomed former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s decision to relinquish his Jubilee Party leadership following the High Court ruling on retired presidents holding political party offices.
Kalonzo said Uhuru’s decision to comply with the judgment demonstrated the statesmanship he had associated with the former president, while clarifying that the ruling does not automatically affect Uhuru’s separate position as chairman of the Azimio coalition council.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 15, Kalonzo responded to Uhuru’s announcement that he was ready to facilitate the handover of Jubilee Party leadership following Justice Lawrence Mugambi’s ruling.
The court upheld Section 6(1) of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, which restricts a retired president from holding office in a political party for more than six months after leaving the presidency.
Kalonzo said Azimio welcomed Uhuru’s position and expressed confidence that the transition within Jubilee would be handled through the party’s own structures.
“We welcome this position. His readiness to comply forthwith with the finding of the court reflects the statesmanship Kenyans have long associated with him,” Kalonzo said.
He added that the succession process within Jubilee was a matter for the party’s organs and should be conducted in an orderly and lawful manner.
The Azimio leader, however, drew a distinction between Uhuru’s position within Jubilee and his role as chairman of the Council of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party.
According to Kalonzo, the two positions belong to separate institutions and should therefore be treated independently.
He said the Azimio council would be guided by the law and would consider the High Court judgment before taking any necessary action.
“The Council will consider the judgment and give it full effect in accordance with our coalition constitution, the Political Parties Act, and the Deed of Agreement,” Kalonzo said.
He announced that a joint session of the Azimio council and the coalition’s National Executive Committee would be convened to consider the matter, with the outcome to be communicated to Kenyans.
Kalonzo also stressed that the judgment had not stripped Uhuru of his political rights.
He noted that Justice Mugambi had distinguished between holding formal party office and participating in political activities, allowing a retired president to remain a party member and participate in political affairs.
The development comes as Azimio begins preparations for the 2027 General Election.
Kalonzo said the coalition was embarking on comprehensive rebranding, including renewing its structures, policy platform and public engagement as it seeks to present a revitalised and inclusive political outfit ahead of the polls.